Hardship Driver License Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hardship Driver License?
A Hardship Driver License is a limited driving privilege license for persons who meet
specific eligibility requirements listed below.
Who is eligible for a Hardship License?
There are 4 ways an individual may be considered for a Hardship License:
1. Participating in an Alabama Department of Corrections regulated work release
program.
2. Participating in a recognized/compliant Community Corrections Program.
3. Released from Alabama Department of Corrections custody.
4. License suspended/revoked and cannot obtain reasonable transportation.
Where can I drive with a hardship license?
Applicants will have limited driving privileges. A Hardship Driver License will be subject to
all laws, rules, regulations, restrictions, and limitations that apply to a Class D License.
WORK: driving to and from a place of employment, job training, job readiness
programming, or job interviews.
CHURCH: driving to and from a religious service, affiliated religious function, or a
civic event recognized to meet basic secular needs for full societal participation.
EDUCATION: driving to or from a sanctioned educational institution recognized by
the State of Alabama where the individual is a regularly enrolled student, schools or
childcare facilities where a family member or dependent is enrolled, or events
sanctioned by the school or childcare facility where the student, family member, or
dependent is enrolled.
PROGRAMS: driving to or from any court-ordered program, treatment, community
service, or event, including but not limited to drug or alcohol counseling or other
rehabilitation program; court appearance; supervising probation and parole field
office for reporting or programming; CCP; or work release program.
MEDICAL: driving to and from a scheduled medical or mental health treatment
appointment, a pharmacy for obtaining prescriptions, or in the event of a medical
emergency.
GROCERY/HOUSEHOLD: driving to and from purchasing food and household
necessities and performing essential household duties.
VOTING: For the purpose of driving to or from voting, if eligible.
How much does it cost?
The price will be same as a regular Class D License; $36.25.
How long does it last?
A Hardship Driver License shall have an initial validity period of one year. At the end of
the first-year validity period, the hardship driver license may be renewed annually for a
maximum of three additional consecutive years, at no additional cost, if the Hardship
Driver Licensee meets all requirements for renewal.
How do I renew?
A Hardship license applicant will have to reapply annually, if applicant is making
progress (good cause) to clear issues/tickets from their driving record, the license will be
renewed for free (for up to 3 years).
Good cause includes, but is not limited to, demonstrable reentry efforts of the applicant
and/or progress towards resolving issues preventing the applicant’s unrestricted driver
license reinstatement.
How do I apply for a Hardship?
Applicants must go to www.alea.gov, and download the Application for Hardship
License. The application requires additional documentation in order for the applicant to
be considered.
Can I apply in person for a Hardship License?
No, all Hardship license applications must be submitted via email
([email protected]), via fax 334-353-9988 or by mail: ALEA Driver
License Division- Hardship License Unit PO Box 1471 Montgomery, AL 36102.
How does the application process work?
The applications will be reviewed to determine eligibility based on the administrative
rules.
How long does it take to obtain an approval?
Applications are reviewed upon receipt; approval time will vary case by case.
What do I after I have been approved for a Hardship License?
Approved Hardship license applicants will receive an approval letter in the mail from
ALEA. The applicant will have 30 days to visit an ALEA Driver License office (with
their approval letter) to have the Hardship license issued. Applicants may have to retest.
Can I go to my county probate office or online to obtain my hardship license?
No, only ALEA Driver License offices can issue a hardship Driver License.
How will I know if my application has been approved?
All applications will be processed by a reviewing officer, and if an applicant is approved,
denied, or simply needs additional documentation. They will receive a letter in the mail
regarding their individual applicant.
Who is ineligible for a hardship license?
Persons who are considered a risk to public safety: Persons whose driver license is
currently suspended or revoked for a serious traffic offense pursuant to Title 32 of the
Code of Alabama
Examples of Serious Traffic Offenses: Manslaughter of Homicide by Vehicle, any
felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used, LSA with death or
serious personal injury, convicted of fleeing or attempting to elude a police
officer, this is not an exclusive list, for more information see Alabama Code.
A person who has been adjudicated or convicted of DUI under Alabama Code Section
32-5A-191 is not eligible to apply for a hardship license.
Can I drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle with a Hardship License?
No, a Hardship license holder will not be allowed Commercial driving privileges.
I have had my Class D Driving privileges suspended/cancelled due to medical issues, can I
obtain a Hardship License?
No, a Hardship license applicant will not be approved for a driver who is medically
ineligible for a Class D Driver License as provided by law.
Can my Hardship license be suspended/revoked?
Yes, a Hardship Driver License shall be subject to those rules pertaining to the
suspension and revocation of a driver license under the point system pursuant to Alabama
Administrative Code Section760-x-1-.07 and Hardship Administrative Rules.
Is my Alabama Hardship License valid in other states? Can I drive in other states with this
license?
No, an Alabama Hardship License is only valid in Alabama.
